There’s something rather special about the Mississippi Delta compared to the rest of the United States, and you simply have to experience it for yourself to understand what that is.
That’s why heading out on a road trip across Mississippi to discover parts of the Blues Trail is a great place to start.
I set out to follow the music, but found myself immersed in a world of barbecue joints, juke joints and surrounded by Southern Charm.
Buckle up, and this isn’t just any ordinary road trip; it’s a pilgrimage into the birthplace of American Music and the blues, where legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson carved their names into musical history.
From Vicksburg to Clarksdale, each stop along the Mississippi Delta Blues Trail will be packed full of stories, history, grit and charm and blended into one.
This road trip journey is more about the people and the places across the Mississippi Delta than it is about the sound that shaped America.
Here is my travel guide to going on a road trip across the Mississippi Delta to discover parts of the Blues Trail:
Book your Mississippi trip with America As You Like It
I booked my road trip around Mississippi with America As You Like It, which took care of all my travel arrangements and trip itinerary.
The team at America As You Like It is experienced when it comes to booking your perfect trip to the United States of America.
Be sure to check them out when booking your next trip to the United States.
Start your Mississippi road trip adventure in the historic town of Vicksburg
Start your Mississippi road trip adventure by crossing the iconic Vicksburg Bridge, which stretches across the mighty Mississippi River, connecting Delta, Louisiana, to the historic town of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
If you wish to also include a road trip across Louisiana, be sure to check out my other road trip guide; you can easily connect the two states if you have extra time.
Be sure to stop off in Vicksburg, and I’ve put together a whole guide on what to discover on your visit to the historic town of Vicksburg. Be sure to check out this guide, too.
I would highly recommend picking up a Vicksburg Passport from the visitor centre, which will give you a great list of must-visit spots.
Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre is located in Indianola, Mississippi, on your way to Cleveland. Be sure to stop off and pay a visit.
If you’re following the Mississippi Blues Trail through the Mississippi Delta, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre in Indianola is an essential stop.
This beautifully curated space dives deep into the life of blues legend B.B. King, from his early days picking cotton to his rise as a global icon.
Set in a renovated cotton gin where King once worked, the museum blends interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and powerful storytelling to showcase not just his music, but the cultural and social backdrop that shaped it.
Visitors can explore the evolution of the blues, the impact of segregation, and King’s enduring influence on music.
Also visit the memorial courtyard where the King of the Blues rests, as well as a tribute statue bench of B.B.King resting on his beloved guitar, Lucille.
It’s a wonderfully put-together tribute to the king of Blues, B.B.King, and September 2025 marks a special year as it would have marked his 100th birthday. A timely reason to visit and pay homage to the blues legend B.B.King.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, The Blue Biscuit is a great spot across the road for a catfish plate. Or along the way, stop off at Fratesi Grocery & Service Station for a Fried Olive poboy, which was sensational.
And be sure to pass by Club Ebony before departing Indianola, an important part of Blues history. This nightclub hosted legends such as Ray Charles, Count Basie, B.B. King, Tina Turner, and James Brown.
Next stop, drive towards Greenwood
Greenwood, Mississippi, offers a soulful blend of history, music, and Southern charm that makes for an unforgettable stop on any Delta road trip.
Start your day by strolling through Historic Downtown Greenwood, where preserved architecture and local boutiques evoke the town’s rich past.
For lunch, swing by Bread and Butter Deli, a cosy spot serving up hearty, healthy sandwiches. The freshly made salad and pizza were a good choice here.
Dive deeper into the region’s heritage at the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, where exhibits span Native American artefacts to Civil War relics.
My favourite section had to be the guitar exhibition, which had a selection of different String instruments from the years.
No visit to Greenwood would be complete without paying homage at the Mississippi Blues Trail marker for Robert Johnson’s gravesite. A tribute to one of the Delta’s most legendary musicians.
Cap off your evening with dinner at Fan and Johnny’s, a local favourite known for its inventive Southern fare and vibrant atmosphere. The Banana bread pudding was a great way to end the evening.
Stay overnight at the Tallahatchie Flats cabin
Located along the banks of the Tallahatchie River in Greenwood, Mississippi, the cabins at Tallahatchie Flats offer a soulful escape into the heart of the Delta.
These restored 1940s-era sharecropper homes each offer their own character and quirks.
With vintage furnishings, old school floorboards, and a front porch that will take you back, the Flats feel less like a hotel and more like a living museum.
Dockery Farms – cotton plantation and sawmill
Dockery Farms began in 1895 as a sprawling 25,600-acre cotton plantation and sawmill.
What started as a timber operation quickly evolved into a thriving agricultural hub, drawing thousands of workers who cultivated cotton and built a vibrant community.
With its own railroad terminal, general store, gas station, school, and boarding houses, Dockery Farms became more than a workplace; it was a community.
Dockery Farm became the primary centre for music in Mississippi, where it laid its foundation and found its voice for what we call Delta Blues today.
For nearly three decades, the plantation was intermittently the home of Charley Patton, the most important early Delta blues musician.
Patton himself learned from fellow Dockery resident Henry Sloan and influenced many other musicians who came here, including Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Brown and Tommy Johnson.
The Mississippi Blues Trail plaque here simply says: “Birthplace of the Blues?”
No one knows the precise origins of the blues, which are lost in time.
That is sort of the beauty of following the Mississippi Blues trail, as it’s the locals who will openly share stories on what they know about the Blues story, and it’s individually open to interpretation.
And it’s up to you to piece together your own puzzle as you follow along the trail.
All we have remaining from those times are recorded songs and lyrics from those early pioneers of the Blues to tell the stories of the artists.
Everything else comes down to stories that have been passed through the generations of the Mississippi locals.
Historians have traced so much blues back to Patton and his contemporaries around Dockery and Drew that the area is regarded by some as the source of Delta blues.
Today, Dockery Farms stands not only as a monument of the Mississippi Delta’s past but as a sacred birthplace of the blues.
Cleveland, music heritage, and laid-back charm
Cleveland, Mississippi, offers a blend of music heritage and laid-back charm that makes for an unforgettable visit.
Start with a stay at the Cotton House Cleveland, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where modern comfort meets Delta elegance.
For lunch, grab a burger and a cold brew at Hey Joe’s, a local favourite with a quirky vibe and atmosphere. I loved the deep-fried pickles here, not to be missed.
Then dive into the rich musical legacy of the region at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, an interactive tribute to the artists who shaped American sound.
Putting a spotlight on music’s past, present, and future, with a special display on the Delta’s deep musical roots.
Visitors can explore the museum showcasing the GRAMMY Awards to the cultural impact of blues, gospel, and soul, all while engaging with multimedia displays that make the experience feel personal and alive.
As the sun begins to set, head to the rooftop at Bar Fontaine for craft cocktails and panoramic views that capture the spirit of the Delta.
Dinner at the award-winning Leña Pizza brings wood-fired perfection with bold, inventive flavours.
And the night comes alive with live music at 8 West Grille, where the rhythm of Cleveland truly takes centre stage.
Clarksdale, Mississippi: the Birthplace of the Blues
If you’re chasing the heartbeat of American music, Clarksdale, Mississippi, isn’t just a stop; it’s the Birthplace of the Blues.
Nestled deep in the Delta, this gritty, soulful town pulses with live music, smoky barbecue, and Southern hospitality.
As the saying goes, “Come for the blues, stay for the people,” and it couldn’t be more true.
Start your journey at the Travelers Hotel, a stylishly restored downtown gem that once housed railway workers and now blends industrial chic with warm Delta charm. Plus, it’s walking distance from most venues.
Just down the road lies the legendary Crossroads at Highways 61 and 49, where bluesman Robert Johnson is said to have struck a mythical deal with the devil. Whether you buy into the legend or not, it’s a rite of passage for any blues pilgrim.
Hungry? Clarksdale delivers:
– Abe’s Bar-B-Q has been serving ribs and tamales since 1924.
– Hooker Grocer and Eatery dishes up modern Southern comfort with a side of live music;
– Stone Pony Pizza offers creative pies and cold beer.
– House of Pancakes is a beloved breakfast staple amongst the locals.
– Rest Haven Restaurant surprises with Lebanese-Southern fusion, don’t skip the kibbeh.
Music never sleeps here, with 365 days of live performances at iconic venues like Ground Zero Blues Club (co-owned by Morgan Freeman), the intimate Hambone Art and Music, and the gritty, heartfelt Bluesberry Café.
For a deeper dive into the Delta’s soul, visit the Delta Blues Museum, follow the Mississippi Blues Trail, and explore Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art—a quirky hub for records, art, and local lore.
And when the night winds down, sip a bold craft brew at Red Panther Brewing Co., where the vibe is as laid-back and authentic as Clarksdale itself.
Once you’ve walked the streets of Clarksdale, heard its music, and tasted its soul, you’ll understand why so many travellers return again and again. It’s a special place that you have to discover for yourself.
Experience Delta Bohemian Tours with Chilly Billy Howell
Hop aboard Delta Bohemian Tours with Chilly Billy Howell for a one-of-a-kind, unique tour of the Mississippi Delta by Jeep.
Equal parts history, humour, and storytelling, this ride gives you insider access to the soul of Clarksdale.
A unique personal tour which focused on regional identity and a better understanding of the land that formed the blues.
All from the comfort of a Jeep Wrangler. This is a perfect tour for small groups wanting to learn about Clarksdale and the Mississippi Delta.
Explore the Mississippi Delta River by paddle
For a change of pace, paddle the mighty Mississippi River with the local Clarksdale company, Quapaw Canoe.
Quapaw Canoe Company guided trips offer an immersive way to connect with the landscape that birthed the blues.
From half a day to overnight expeditions, grab a paddle and hit the Mississippi River.
The team are fantastic and has loads of knowledge and stories about the Mississippi River. Be sure to grab a paddle and have loads of fun on a canoe adventure.
Stop off in Tunica and visit the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Centre
On your way to Memphis from Clarksdale, be sure to stop off in Tunica and visit the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Centre.
Located along the legendary Highway 61, the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Centre dives into the roots of American music.
Housed in a restored 1895 train depot, this charming museum and welcome centre offers travellers a vivid journey through the birth and evolution of the blues.
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, rare instruments, and personal stories that celebrate the genre’s deep Delta heritage.
Whether you’re recording your own blues track in the mini studio or browsing for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the centre sets the tone for an unforgettable Mississippi experience.
Thank you for reading this blog about my Mississippi road trip
Thank you for visiting my blog and checking out my guide to going on a road trip around Mississippi.
I hope all the above information has helped with your own trip planning.
Have an amazing road trip around Mississippi exploring the Blues Trail.
Be sure to check out my Mississippi road trip YouTube video guide
Check out my Mississippi road trip adventure video. You can watch the video from this journey here:
